2014 Etisalat Prize for Literature for African Writers

The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first ever pan-African prize celebrating first time writers of published fiction books. The Prize aims to serve as a platform for the discovery of new creative talent out of the continent and invariably promote the burgeoning publishing industry in Africa.

Etisalat plans to bring some much needed awareness and acclaim to the art of Fiction writing while also applauding and rewarding the efforts of those who have ventured into this genre in recent times. The ‘Etisalat Prize for Literature’ wholly embodies the vision of bringing together celebrated high profile writers, book critics and academics from across the Continent and beyond in order to give credence and honor to ‘home-grown’ talent while also rewarding new entrants and encouraging further participation in this area.

Worth of Award

The winner of the Etisalat Prize for Literature receives £15,000, a Samsung Galaxy Note and a Montblanc Meisterstuck

In line with our vision of promoting upcoming writers, Etisalat will sponsor a book tour to three African cities.

The winning writer will also embark on the Etisalat Fellowship at the University of East Anglia mentored by Professor Giles Foden (author of The Last King of Scotland) which will include significant opportunities to meet other writers, publishers and most importantly work on their second book.

Shortlisted writers will win a Samsung Galaxy Note and also go on a book tour to two major African cities.

The Etisalat Prize for Literature celebrates new writers of African citizenship whose first fiction book (over 30,000 words) was published in the last twenty four (24) months.

For the purposes of this definition, first book means first printed production in book form of any type or genre.

Authors and their publishers can be based anywhere in the world.

An online Flash Fiction Prize will be launched later in the year driven entirely by social media – more information on this will be made available on our website.

The Etisalat Prize for Literature is unique in that it also aims to promote the publishing industry at large and will therefore purchase 1000 copies of all shortlisted books which will be donated to various schools, book clubs and libraries across the African continent.